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Committee backs Gateway Foundation plan to convert CityGarden restaurant into visitor center
Summary
The committee advanced board bill 131 to amend a cooperation agreement with Gateway Foundation, allowing conversion of a vacant CityGarden restaurant building into a visitor center with concessions, gallery space and arts programming. The bill received unanimous committee support and will move forward with a 'due pass' recommendation.
The St. Louis City Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee on Tuesday advanced board bill 131, which would amend an existing cooperation agreement to let the Gateway Foundation repurpose a vacant restaurant building in CityGarden into a visitor center, concession stand and community exhibit space.
Supporters said the change is intended to boost downtown activation and provide gallery and programming space for local artists. Dr. Heather Sweeney, executive director of the Gateway Foundation, told the committee the group envisions "a community hub and a space in City Garden" with grab-and-go concessions and arts programming to extend visitor dwell time.
Committee members repeatedly praised the plan. Alderman Aldridge asked to be added as a sponsor, and Vice Chair Sonier moved to advance the bill through committee. The clerk recorded seven aye votes on the advancement motion; members then moved the bill with a "due pass" recommendation and recorded no objections.
The action will allow the city to amend the cooperation agreement to expand the permitted uses of the Terrace View building in CityGarden from primarily restaurant operations to include a visitor center, concessions and gallery space open to the public. Proponents said the change is intended to bring more consistent, year-round activity to the downtown park.
The bill will proceed for further consideration with the committee's favorable recommendation.
